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Contents
President's Message
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Headquarters News ....................... 3 For Your Information ............... Regional News ......... Affiliate News Veggin Out! .......... Article ......... Convention News ...... .......... Young Minds ........................... M. I. S. ...
Following a very successful YJA Convention in San Francisco, I am pleased to invite you to the upcoming 9th Biennial JAINA Convention which will be held in Toronto, Canada, from July 4-6, 1997. The theme of the 1997 convention "Jainism in Practice" will address the challenges of how the unique scientific principles of Jainism can be practiced in our daily lives.
The Jain Society of Toronto and JAINA are hosting the convention in the beautiful and vibrant city of Toronto. A wonderful schedule of seminars, workshops, religious activities, entertainment events, and an interfaith meeting will address the interests of young people, adults, women and senior citizens. Our Marriage Information Service will organize a get together for the eligible young adults. Convention events will be held at the International Plaza Hotel and the Congress Center which offer large exhibition halls, children's play area, pool and many other amenities. The hotel is a five minute drive from the airport and about a fifteen minute drive from the Jain
From the Editor's desk
The majestic temple of Ranakpur on the cover, represents many of the artistically appealing and religiously inspiring Jain Temples all over India. These temples have stood the test of time and have provided a focal point for socio-religious activities.
History tells us that many of these temples began because of a small gathering of individuals who came together with a divine inspiration. They devoted their lives and everything they had to shape a dream for the benefit of the society. In turn, we must support and recognize the volunteers and the venerable institutions we have established that help maintain our proud heritage for the coming generations.
For many of us, a trip to India includes a visit to one of these famous temples. In our mind we begin to think about the planning, logistics, and money that might have gone in to building these awe inspiring temples. We can compare this to our own experience in North America where
Toronto is a popular tourist site and is accessible from many Jain Centers in the U.S.A. and Canada. Niagara Falls, a major tourist attraction, is only an hour and a half drive from Toronto. Visitors attraction, is only an hour and a hal from all over the world are expected to attend this event. If you are planning to attend, please register early to facilitate planning.
During the past 18 months, JAINA has made a great deal progress in uniting all Jain centers. Our World Community Service has helped many needy people in India and has been granted exempt status by USAid and the Government of India so it can send humanitarian aid to any country without a long approval process.
Your support and donations are always needed so that JAINA can continue its religious, educational and humanitarian activities. I appeal to you to fill out the envelope in the center of this issue and include your generous donations so that we can continue to promote the principles of Jainism and nurture Jain heritage for our children.
Jai Jinendra,
Mrohlé
Manibhai Mehta
Continued on page 3
Cover: The Jain Temple at Ranakpur, India
March 1997ernational
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